used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
AlongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
alteringnounUS /ˈɔːltərɪŋ/
the sterilization of an animal
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
artificialadjectiveUS /ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/
contrived by art rather than nature
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
bendverbUS /bend/
form a curve
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
bordersnounUS /ˈbɔːrdərz/
plural of “border” — a line that indicates a boundary
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
put or send forth
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
centring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
ChicagonounUS /ʃəˈkɑːɡoʊ/
largest city in Illinois; a bustling Great Lakes port that extends 26 miles along the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/
plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
contemptuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtemptʃuːəs/
expressing extreme contempt
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
continentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/
one of the large landmasses of the earth
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
recognizable; marked
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
defiancenounUS /dɪˈfaɪəns/
intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
displayedverbUS /dɪˈspleɪd/
past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
disregardverbUS /ˌdɪsrɪˈɡɑːrd/
refuse to acknowledge
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
eatsnounUS /iːts/
informal terms for a meal
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
at any time
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
expansenounUS /ɪkˈspæns/
a wide scope
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
favourableadjective
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
fertileadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrtəl/
capable of reproducing
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
gravelnounUS /ˈɡrævəl/
rock fragments and pebbles
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
growthnounUS /ɡroʊθ/
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
indifferencenounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfərəns/
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
located inward
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
junctionnounUS /ˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
the place where two or more things come together
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
feeling or showing love and affection
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
engage in
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
necessitiesnounUS /nəˈsesɪtiz/
plural of “necessity” — the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
having a point
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
poolnounUS /puːl/
an excavation that is (usually) filled with water
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
past form of “pour” — cause to run
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
quicksilveradjectiveUS /ˈkwɪkˈsɪlvər/
liable to sudden unpredictable change
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
RailroadnounUS /ˈreɪlroʊd/
line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
recessesnounUS /ˈriːsesəz/
plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
sea-harbour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
spider's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
strandsnounUS /strændz/
plural of “strand” — a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
strenuouslyadverbUS /ˈstrenjuːəsli/
in a strenuous manner; strongly or vigorously
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading Chicago is an instance of a successful, contemptuous disregard of nature by man.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
swampyadjectiveUS /ˈswɑːmpi/
(of soil) soft and watery
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
swelledadjectiveUS /sweld/
feeling self-importance
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the case of Chicago, man has decided to make for himself a city for his artificial necessities in defiance of every indifference displayed by nature.
undulatingverbUS /ˈʌndʒəleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “undulate” — stir up (water) so as to form ripples
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
valleysnounUS /ˈvæliz/
plural of “valley” — a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
webnounUS /web/
an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
in or at the place that
From this reading Other great cities have been called gradually into existence about some fine opportunity suggested by nature, at the junction of fertile valleys, or on a loving bend of a broad river, or in the inner recesses of a sea-harbour, where nature has pointed out, as it were, a spot favourable for life and growth.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Along the level floor of sand and gravel cast up by the mighty lake, the city has swelled and pushed, like a pool of quicksilver, which, poured out on a flat plate, is ever undulating and altering its borders, as it eats its way further into the desert expanse.
wilfullyadverbUS /ˈwɪlfəli/
in a willful manner
From this reading Railroad lines, like strands of a huge spider’s web, run across the continent in all directions, wilfully, strenuously centring in this waste spot, the swampy corner of a great lake.
